Senator Martin E-Newsletter

View this email in a browser

In this Update:

  • U.S. Supreme Court Hears Cases on Fairness in Female Athletics
  • Visiting the 2026 PA Farm Show
  • 2025 Property Tax/Rent Rebate Applications Now Being Accepted
  • Your Input Wanted on Program Helping PA Seniors and People with Disabilities
  • Tips for Preparing for Winter Storms and Power Outages
  • Deadline Approaching for PennDOT “Innovations Challenge”
  • Remembering Martin Luther King Jr.’s Dream

U.S. Supreme Court Hears Cases on Fairness in Female Athletics

The U.S. Supreme Court recently heard arguments in two cases involving state laws designed to safeguard women’s sports. Here in Pennsylvania, I supported the Save Women’s Sports Act, which will ensure athletic teams designated for women are reserved for biological females in Pennsylvania’s K–12 and collegiate sports.

Senate Bill 9 reinforces the original intent of Title IX by ensuring female athletes are not denied scholarships, placements or opportunities due to unfair competition from biological males. It acknowledges biological realities and helps guarantee a safe, level playing field for women and girls. The bill passed the Senate in May 2025 and is awaiting action in the state House of Representatives.

Visiting the 2026 PA Farm Show

The Pennsylvania Farm Show is one of the Commonwealth’s greatest traditions, bringing people from every corner of the state together to celebrate Pennsylvania agriculture at its best. This year’s theme, “Growing a Nation,” commemorates the 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding and highlights Pennsylvania’s enduring role in American life and history.

I had the privilege of meeting with several outstanding organizations and award‑winning participants from the region, including:

  • Young local leaders from Future Farmers of America and the Farm Show Junior Committee.
  • Steinmetz Family Farm, a Berks County goat farm that has become a staple at the PA Farm Show.
  • Crop Compass, an agri-tech firm based in Lancaster.
  • Kyle Welk, a Peach Bottom dairy farmer and recipient of the prestigious 2025 Merle Howard Award.

2025 Property Tax/Rent Rebate Applications Now Being Accepted

The application period is now open for this year’s Property Tax/Rent Rebate program, which provides rebates from $380 to $1,000 to eligible older adults and people with disabilities age 18 and older.

The Pennsylvania Department of Revenue is accepting applications for rebates on property taxes or rent paid in 2025.

Forms and instructions are available online, and eligible Pennsylvanians are encouraged to file their applications via myPATH to ensure their rebates are processed as quickly as possible. Please reach out to my office with any questions.

Your Input Wanted on Program Helping PA Seniors and People with Disabilities

Older Pennsylvanians, people with disabilities and their families can find services and support in their community through Pennsylvania Link to Aging and Disability Resources (PA Link).

Public input is wanted on a plan to redesign and improve PA Link. The plan calls for developing performance metrics, expanding call center functionality, deploying volunteers for community engagement and more.

The Pennsylvania Department of Aging will hold a listening session Jan. 27, and the public comment period will be open until Feb. 9. You can review the draft plan, submit comments and sign up for the listening session here.

Tips for Preparing for Winter Storms and Power Outages

Winter storms are part of Pennsylvania living, and they’re made worse when the power goes out.

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission offers these tips for what to do before and during winter storms:

  • Keep available flashlights, batteries, bottled water, non-perishable food and necessary medications.
  • Charge cell phones, medical devices and other essential electronics before the storm.
  • Monitor weather forecasts and utility updates through local news outlets, official social media channels and emergency alerts.
  • Report power outages or downed power lines directly to your utility company. Always assume downed lines are energized and stay far away.

Learn more about what to do if you lose power during the storm, how to stay safe while waiting for power to be restored and what utilities do to deal with storms here.

Deadline Approaching for PennDOT “Innovations Challenge”

How can artificial intelligence (AI) improve work zone safety? That’s the latest Pennsylvania Department of Transportation “Innovations Challenge” for high school students.

Students are asked to develop a concept for the use of AI in work zones to dramatically improve safety for work crews and motorists. The concept should take into consideration cost-benefit information, statewide deployment implications and public outreach.

Regional winners will be invited to present their solutions to a panel of judges, who will determine the statewide winners. Teams must submit entries by Jan. 30 for a chance at a prize. Rules and submission information can be found here.

Remembering Martin Luther King Jr.’s Dream

On Monday, we honor Martin Luther King Jr., a powerful civil rights leader who advanced justice through courage and service, lifting communities and strengthening America’s path toward unity. The federal holiday is an opportunity to celebrate what brings us together and commit to seeing each other first and foremost as fellow citizens.

divider

If you have a question about the information in this e-newsletter or other state related matters that you would like a response to, please click HERE to submit your inquiry through my website. This will help to ensure that we are able to respond to your question in a timely fashion due to the high volume of emails and the ever growing amount of computer generated spam mail we receive daily.

Facebook Twitter/X Instagram LinkdedIn Website

Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can update your preferences or unsubscribe

2026 © Senate of Pennsylvania | https://senatorscottmartinpa.com | Privacy Policy